A look back at stock market history since 1949 shows that declines have varied widely in intensity, length and frequency. In the midst of a decline, it’s been nearly impossible to tell the difference between a slight dip and a more prolonged correction.
The table below shows that declines in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index have been somewhat regular events.
–5% or more
About 3 times a year
44 days
December 2018
–10% or more
About once a year
114 days
December 2018
–15% or more
About once every 4 years
270 days
December 2018
–20% or more
About once every 7 years
431 days
December 2018
Source: RIMES, Standard & Poor's.
1Assumes 50% recovery rate of lost value.
2Measures market high to market low.
3The average frequency and average length rows exclude the most recent decline in December 2018 because the 50% recovery of lost value occurred after 12/31/18.
Living with a market decline isn’t easy, but if you understand these 3 key lessons, you’ll be a more intelligent investor.
It’s easy to look back today and say with hindsight that the stock market was overvalued at a particular time and due for a decline. But no one has been able to accurately predict market declines on a consistent basis.
In January 1973, a New York Times poll of 8 market authorities predicted that the market would “move somewhat higher” in the future. The Dow industrials proceeded to decline 45% over the next 23 months. Then, although almost no one predicted it, the Dow rose 38% in 1975.
Since 1982, with few exceptions, market declines have been relatively brief. Earlier market declines have lasted longer.
After the 1929 crash, it took investors 16 years to restore their investments if they invested at the market high. In 2000, it took about 5 years. But after the 1987 crash, it took about 23 months to get back. In 1990, it took about 8 months. (In all cases, dividends were assumed to be reinvested.)
Successful market timing during a decline is extremely difficult because it requires a pair of near-perfect actions: getting out and then getting back in at the right time.
A common mistake investors make is to lose patience and sell at or near the bottom of a downturn. But even if you have decent timing and get out early in a decline, you still have to figure out when to get back in.
A bear market is not usually characterized by a straight-line decline in stock prices. Instead, the market’s downward trend is likely to be jagged — showing bursts of stock price increases, known as “sucker’s rallies,” and then declines.
Be sure to talk to your financial professional before making any changes to your financial plan.
This guide to market volatility can help investors remain calm during downturns and avoid common mistakes that could detail their long-term investment plans.
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